Kml - I joined a minimalism fb group and it is always inspiring to read how other people organize and purge their things. It is definitely a lot harder for me to do it with three kids, but I finally made S10 to cut his lego possession in half! The amount of legos really drove me crazy for years, I don’t know why I didn’t do this sooner lol.
DnJ- I always ask a few simple questions, such as what did you guys do there today, or where did you go for dinner etc. lately I had to ask “did dad fall asleep again?” I am so thankful that my boys are not babies anymore and they can handle themselves even if unsupervised. But it still irks me that most likely they are spending a lot of time on YouTube when ExH is passed out next to them. So yes, after the last incident I do plan to allow S12 to bring a phone next time. How crazy is that!! I can count on S12 to pick up more than his dad! As for the can of worms- I feel like it’s important for them to know at some point that their dad is drinking too much. But maybe a little too young for that conversation right now?
Scout- thanks! Yes; more doesn’t necessary mean bad. My situation was we had way too much and most things weren’t being used. That’s the thing when one has a lot of closet/cabinet space- it’s almost as if one cannot stand seeing the void; and something must go there to “take up space”. But in reality it takes effort to train oneself to learn to appreciate the emptiness and be satisfied with the lack of “stuff”.
For those who aspire to be minimalists:
By Joshua Fields Millburn
Minimalism is not interested in what you have. You can buy the “best” bag, bookcase, boots, but none of that will fill the void.
And minimalism is not concerned with what you don’t have. “Look, ma—no things!” Because owning nothing doesn’t remove the void.
Minimalism is not busy with doing something. Decluttering, organizing, and paring down don’t work unless you first find peace in doing without.
And minimalism is not focused on becoming something— job titles and achievements merely generate a thirst for more.
Instead, a minimalist focuses on being— being someone who returns to the natural order, to the default state of thriving with less.
This does not involve simplifying “tips” or “how-to” guides. It requires a deep understanding that you were born simple. Society, culture, and media have dragged you away from your nature.
You’ve been told to improve that which doesn’t need improvement. You’ve been convinced that you are lacking. You’ve been hypnotized into believing that you are incomplete.
These are lies told to exploit you. To sell you something. But the Truth won’t be found in any store. It is unearthed in less.
The Truth awaits in the pause between stillness and awareness, in surrendering to the absence of wanting more. It cannot be conjured with the swipe of a credit card.
Simplicity is not a task— minimalism is not a destination— it’s everything that remains when you let go of the attachment to every thing.
